Vehicle Description
In the late 1920s, after successfully reorganizing Auburn and
taking control of the company, Errett Lobban Cord decided to reward
his efforts by building a car worthy of bearing his own name- one
that would compete with the likes of Lincoln, Packard and Stutz. In
typical E.L. Cord fashion, he eschewed tradition and specified a
car that was as innovative as it was beautiful. In 1929 the L-29
appeared as a sleek, attractive and impossibly low slung machine
with front wheel drive and a De Dion front axle, designed by an
ex-Miller Indy Car engineer who spearheaded the project. The L-29
shared the 301 cubic inch Lycoming straight eight with Auburn, but
with the engine reversed in the chassis, driving through a
three-speed transmission at the front. Performance was adequate,
and thanks to the low center of gravity, handling was impressive.
The L-29 was available with various factory bodies, though many
were custom bodied by some of the finest coachbuilders of the time.
Only 5,014 L29s were built between 1929 and 1932, as the Great
Depression took hold and luxury automobile sales plummeted. This
attractive Cord L-29 Convertible Sedan is a fine example of the
breed with a rather exceptional history. It was first sold new in
Atlanta, Georgia to Mr. Silvey Speer, who purchased the beautiful
white Cord as a gift for his granddaughter, Miss Frances McKenzie.
But the effects of the Great Depression forced Miss McKenzie to
sell the L-29 just two years later. Austin Abbott, an Atlanta based
Stutz dealer and event promoter, was the sole bidder on the car -
which he nicknamed "Blondie". Abbot would own this L-29 for over 30
years, using it in literally hundreds of parades and events around
Atlanta. If there was a celebration in the city, chances are Abbott
was there with "Blondie", leading the parade. Of the numerous
celebrities and politicians that are said to have ridden in the
L-29, the most famous among them include Clark Gable and Vivian
Leigh who rode in Blondie to the World Premier of Gone with the
Wind at Atlanta's own Loew's Grand Theater in 1940. A staggering
number of period photos show the car in local parades, shuttling
celebrities to premiers, opening interstate highways, parading
political candidates and even one of a stunt rider jumping a team
of horses OVER the top of the L-29! Abbott's skills as a promoter
turned "Blondie" into a true Atlanta celebrity. In the mid-1960s,
the L-29 was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Verney Bentley, also of Atlanta,
who continued to enjoy the car in classic car tours and shows,
while continuing Blondie's celebrity status by using it in parades
and events. By the mid-1980s it was owned by Murrell Smith who is
believed to have performed the extensive, high-quality restoration
in the early 1990s. Now presented in a striking combination of
cream with rich blue accents, the older restoration presents very
well with good quality paintwork and detailing. The paint shows
very well, having mellowed with use since the restoration was
completed. The vivid blue flashes on the body swage lines, running
boards and the chassis add a welcome splash of color. The famous
low-slung lines of the L-29 are further enhanced by the gorgeous
chrome wire wheels with blue accented wheel rims. Accessories
include Dual side mount spares fitted with mirrors, a trunk with
matching tan canvas cover and fine quality chrome bumpers and
fittings. The interior is trimmed in tan leather with matching
carpets, and is presenting in fine condition, showing only light
use since the restoration was completed. The art deco style dash
features original instrumentation and the original steering wheel
and controls remain in very good order. Blondie has been used
sparingly since her extensive restoration, and the engine
presentation remains excellent.� Lycoming's 301 cubic-inch
inline-eight cylinder engine is the same as that used in an Auburn,
though cleverly turned 180 degrees for installation in the front
drive L-29. It is nicely detailed in the correct green color with
good quality chrome fittings and hardware. With its magnificent
lines and ground breaking front-drive layout, the Cord L-29 remains
one of the most distinct and desirable American classics of all
time. It is of course welcome at virtually any CCCA, or AACA event
and would be a welcome choice for touring. The restoration has been
very well maintained and the car remains very attractive condition
throughout. A fascinating and colorful history only adds to the
appeal of this handsome and highly desirable Cord L-29.
